It is easier to prevent osteochondrosis than to treat it for a long time. Prevention includes adherence to posture, physical exercises, exercise equipment, walking, yoga, swimming. It is necessary to sit correctly at the table and the computer, you can not throw your head back for a long time or bend over when lifting weights. When writing or reading, it is not recommended to lean on the table surface, and during sleep it is advisable to use an orthopedic pillow.
Osteochondrosis manifests itself with unpleasant symptoms. Patients complain of pain in the spine, body aches, and numbness in the arms or legs for no reason. In some cases, even loss of consciousness or frequent dizziness is possible. Left untreated, the disease gradually leads to muscle tissue atrophy, disruption of nerve impulses, and dysfunction of various internal organs.
The causes of the onset of the disease are hidden in a passive lifestyle, lack of sufficient load on the spine and a developed muscular structure. Concomitant factors are also an unhealthy diet, hormonal disturbances, posture problems, insufficient fluid intake, hereditary predisposition, infection, obesity, and bad habits.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home is possible if the patient does not use folk remedies as the only therapy and has consulted with a doctor about the complex effect on the pathology. The main ways to solve the problem are:
- Drug therapy.
- Massage and physiotherapy.
- Gymnastics.
- Traditional medicine.
It is impossible to cure osteochondrosis quickly, as the affected cartilage tissue regenerates slowly. It will take at least three months to complete complex measurements and about a year for the rehabilitation period. The result obtained from treatment largely depends on the patient himself, his diligence in observing the instructions and the stage of development of the disease.
Do you know why your spine is suffering? To say with certainty that the development of the disease began due to improper nutrition or blood stagnation is almost impossible, therefore, for effective therapy, a complete program is needed to restore blood flow to damaged discs.
Next, we will briefly talk about methods of treating osteochondrosis at home. We have already covered some of them in more detail: below, in the descriptions of the methods, see the articles on the links.
- Diet. Often the cause of osteochondrosis is impaired blood flow due to the accumulation of cholesterol and loss of vascular elasticity. Eliminating fatty foods from the diet, as well as foods high in cholesterol: chicken eggs, meat broths, pork and chicken skins, will help correct the situation. Strong drinks can play an important role in the activity of blood vessels, and even those that do not contain alcohol - ordinary coffee and tea. Regular intake of nicotine in the body also leads to vasospasm. The decision is unequivocal: if you are being treated for osteochondrosis, you need to completely abandon bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle.
- The restoration of blood circulation in the area of the pathological process is the most important condition for treating osteochondrosis at home. There are many ways: from physical therapy exercises to rubbing and compresses, but you have to choose several and act.
- Orthopedic sleeping supplies. The spine is the axis of the human body, which throughout the day experiences dynamic loads when moving and static when sitting. But, like any other part of the body, it needs adequate rest, which can only be provided by a uniform and correct position during sleep. A quality orthopedic mattress and pillow create the ideal conditions for normal blood circulation during sleep and rest.
Osteochondrosis is a disease that affects the spine, or rather, the intervertebral discs. With their development, the soft elements of the discs are damaged and ossified, and the vertebrae begin to touch each other, while squeezing the blood vessels and nerve fibers located nearby.
Cervical osteochondrosis is one of the most common types of spinal injuries that can occur in both the elderly and people in their 20s.
In the disease development process, specialists distinguish 4 stages:
- Stage I. In this stage, there is a displacement of the intervertebral discs, violation of their stability. In this case, a person may feel muscle tension in the affected area and slight pain. Due to mild symptoms, as a rule, this stage is almost imperceptible.
- Stage II. The destruction of the fibrous ring begins, the distance between the vertebrae decreases. Symptoms are pain localized at certain points and aggravated by bending or turning the head. Also at this stage, increased fatigue may appear.
- Stage III. The fibrous ring is completely destroyed, a hernia is formed. In this case, the spine is deformed, the pain becomes much stronger. To reduce discomfort, a person is forced to restrict movement. The obvious signs are frequent dizziness, fatigue.
- Stage IV. This stage is characterized by complete immobility of the damaged area of the spine. Periodically, the pain may disappear, but subsequently it will necessarily return, increasing several times.
The earlier cervical osteochondrosis begins, the stronger the potential complications can be. If a disease occurs at a young age, the following consequences may occur:
- herniated intervertebral disc;
- cervical root radiculopathy;
- intervertebral protrusion in the cervical region (protrusion);
- cervical pain, etc.
In addition, in the case of advanced osteochondrosis, problems with the vertebral arteries, the development of paresis and other concomitant diseases are possible.
The main symptom of osteochondrosis is back pain. There may also be a feeling of numbness in the extremities. Pain may be worse with movement. Patients may also complain of headache, dizziness, pain in internal organs.
First signs
Cervical osteochondrosis early in the disease may not appear at all. The disease already makes itself felt in a careless way with frequent headaches and neck when moving. When there is a violation of cerebral circulation with cervical osteochondrosis, a person exhibits the following symptoms:
- regular headaches;
- violation of the sensitivity of the facial muscles;
- increased fatigue;
- head noise;
- ringing in the ears;
- high blood pressure;
- loss of coordination;
- frequent dizziness;
- trembling march.
If the osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae takes a chronic form, then the pain is permanent and any movement of the head is difficult due to the tension of the neck muscles. The patient begins to suffer from cervical migraines, and the headache is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and even loss of consciousness. If cervical osteochondrosis is not treated in time, the person may be accompanied by pharyngeal symptoms: difficulty swallowing, a feeling of dryness in the throat, itching and tingling. Over time, this disease can lead to a herniated disc.
Due to the fact that the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine are not very high, even slight damage to them provokes the development of the disease. The beginning of problems can be indicated by:
- hoarseness, hoarseness;
- increased dental problems (you have to visit the dentist more often than usual, for example due to partial tooth decay);
- blurred vision;
- burning sensation between shoulder blades;
- sore throat like sore throat;
- pain in shoulder, occipital region, along the entire length of the arms;
- weakness of the forelimbs;
- lack of coordination, expressed in uneven gait;
- frequent dizziness, which can lead to fainting;
- decreased resistance;
- feeling tired immediately after sleeping;
- Recurrent headaches on the left side of the chest, radiating to the arm;
- limitation of mobility of the neck, cracking when turning and bending.
Experts distinguish between several types of syndromes characteristic of cervical osteochondrosis, including:
- Spinal column. It develops as a result of a pinched nerve. In this case, a person experiences a sharp pain that spreads from the neck to the shoulders, then to the forearms and so on to the fingers (or a hand). Additionally, root syndrome is characterized by tingling or "spots" on the skin, pale skin, and mild swelling.
- Vertebral artery syndrome. The main symptom is a headache in the waist. Most often, this pain is constant, but in some cases it can be periodic. Increased pain occurs after increased activity or after a long time in an uncomfortable position. With a simultaneous decrease in immunity, the headache can be accompanied by nausea and loss of consciousness. Furthermore, in this case, hearing, vision and vestibular problems are possible.
- Cervical migraine syndrome. In this case, due to changes in the position of the vertebrae and the discs between them, the blood circulation of the brain is disturbed, which is accompanied by ringing in the ears or their congestion, tachycardia, noise in the head, etc.
- Hypertensive. It is characterized by an increase in intracranial pressure. The patient is troubled by severe headache attacks, often accompanied by a feeling of nausea.
Often with an exacerbation of the disease, the patient's body temperature may rise.
How to treat osteochondrosis at home: home remedies
Chondrosis can be treated at home only after the doctor prescribes a course of drugs. They are aimed at relieving back pain, eliminating inflammatory processes and restoring the mobility of cartilaginous tissues. After examination and diagnosis, the specialist prescribes the following groups of drugs:
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Painkillers.
- Vasodilators.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Sedatives.
- Multivitamins.
They must be taken strictly in accordance with the regulations. Medications improve the patient's well-being, restore metabolism. Therefore, after a few weeks, the patient feels much better, but it should not be forgotten that osteochondrosis is a systemic disease and should be treated only comprehensively. The pills alone cannot solve the problem.
The question of how to treat osteochondrosis at home is of increasing concern. It is important to understand that osteochondrosis is an unusual disease that will disappear after taking the pill. Osteochondrosis is, first of all, changes in the vertebrae and cartilage. To heal, you must perform a series of actions. The tablets listed above should be drunk without fail, but cannot be dispensed with.
Next, we will consider the possibilities of treating osteochondrosis at home. But before using this or that prescription, you should consult with your doctor so as not to hurt yourself.
The first thing to do is ease the pain. This can be done with medication. But it is important to understand that regular use of pain relievers will lead to problems in the intestines, liver, and pancreas. That is why an experienced doctor will definitely recommend those home remedies that can be used safely at home.
- Honey and grated potatoes. Take some potatoes and rub them on a fine grater, then mix in equal proportions with honey. Mix well and put the porridge on a gauze, then apply it as a compress on the sore spot. From above, you need to wrap something warm and leave it in this position for an hour. This remedy will quickly relieve pain, but, unfortunately, not for long.
- Horseradish leaf. Take a horseradish leaf and steam it with boiling water. Turn the sheet inside out towards you and stick it to the diseased area. Wrap it up tight and go to bed. In the morning you will feel that the pain has subsided.
- Hot bottle. Take a plastic bottle and pour hot water into it, put it on a sofa or bed and lie on your back. Try to roll it under you for half an hour.
- Parsley. For a month, you should eat a parsley root every day.
- Pine shoots. Collect pine shoots each spring, but only those that are an inch long. Wash them well, pat them dry and grind them in a meat grinder. Add sugar in a 1: 2 ratio, number 2 is the kidneys.
- Mix everything well and remove to infuse for two weeks in the refrigerator. You can understand that the mixture is ready by its changed color, it will turn brown. The course of treatment will be three weeks. Eat a teaspoon every day.
- Bathroom. You can relieve pain in osteochondrosis of the chest in a steam room. The course of treatment is ten days. Do three five-minute runs. But visit the bathroom every other day.
Massage and healing baths
- Start the process by gently stroking the problem area. It is better not to carry additional devices, the impact of the palms and fingers will be enough.
- After rubbing, they proceed to a greater effect on the area. You can grab a fold of skin with your fingers and squeeze it lightly.
- The kneading of muscles and soft tissues must take place in the paravertebral region, it is impossible to influence the ridge itself. The movement can be tapping, circular, pressing.
- To end the session, it is worth touching, vibrating, caressing.
This self-massage of the back can be performed every day, even without special knowledge and skills. The impact on the muscles of the chest, hips, shoulders, lower back, has a beneficial effect on the treatment of osteochondrosis in general.
In addition to massage, therapeutic baths help to cope with the disease. They are contraindicated during the exacerbation period, but become indispensable in the remission stage. Correct and regular exercise allows you to increase blood flow, relax muscles, improve mood and well-being. Only warm water can be used in the process (hot water will only harm), to which decoctions of medicinal herbs are added. Thyme, string, thyme, lemon balm, chamomile have proven themselves. Take a medicinal bath 20 minutes before bedtime.
Simple exercises are helpful for the spine with cartilage dysfunction. The doctor selects them for each patient individually, taking into account the general condition, physical condition and age. They are done daily and are an integral part of therapy. The simplest activities resemble school exercises, but their importance to the body during the treatment period should not be underestimated. They aim to warm up the muscles, improve blood circulation, stretch and relax the muscles where there are blockages.
During execution, you should follow these recommendations:
- Don't exercise quickly, putting a lot of pressure on your bones and muscles.
- Everything is done smoothly, with care, with control of the sensations in the body.
- Classes stop completely if patient feels pain, cannot straighten up.
- Force complexes are always alternated with breathing exercises so that the tissues receive a sufficient amount of oxygen.
- Classes should only be held in a well-ventilated room or outdoors.
It should be remembered that the exercises are prescribed by the attending physician, some effects on the spine are dangerous in case of a disease such as osteoporosis. They can lead to serious complications. Exercise therapy is an excellent tool for fighting back pathologies and is often used to prevent a number of problems with higher risks. Complexes include yoga exercises or oriental techniques. You should do it regularly, at least 3 times a week.
Physiotherapy for osteochondrosis is used as an adjunct to the main treatment, the patient's condition improves markedly. Physiotherapy procedures act directly on the painful focus, so no side effects will arise.
- The body's metabolism is normalizing.
- The condition of tissues and organs is improving.
- Immunity increases and becomes more resistant.
- The pain eases.
- Good anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect.
Specialists often prescribe combined physical therapy. For example, if the pain is severe, electrophoresis and diadynamic therapy are used, with the mandatory use of novocaine.
To act simultaneously on biologically active points, acupuncture-reflexolaser-puncture is used. The tissue is influenced by laser radiation and needles. Along with electrotherapy, mud therapy is used.
Massage
- During the period when there is no pain, at that time, the movements will not cause pain.
- At the time of exacerbation.
Before the specialist initiates this procedure, the patient is prepared. To do this, he should stroke her back for about 3-5 minutes, first stroking the area of the shoulder blades, then closer to the neck and shoulder girdle. After this, the caress should be replaced by kneading and shaking. At this stage, the preparation will be completed, you can proceed directly to the massage procedure.
Massage for osteochondrosis can cause severe pain. But if the body is properly prepared and relaxed, this can be avoided.
If you feel discomfort after the first few procedures, don't worry, around the third day the pain will disappear and the procedure itself will be much more pleasant.
The patient should be placed on a flat surface in a horizontal position. If the massage is done only in the neck area, then the patient should sit down.
There is another way to treat osteochondrosis with home remedies: medicinal herbal baths. Baths can be used not only for the purpose of cleaning, but also for the purpose of healing, choosing the right medicinal herbs and their quantity. Baths, like any other alternative method of treating osteochondrosis, should be taken only after consulting a doctor. In some forms of osteochondrosis, they may be contraindicated.
To treat osteochondrosis of the spine with the help of baths, it is necessary to know some recipes for its correct preparation:
- Bath with birch leaves. For cooking, you need to prepare birch leaves. The bathing procedure should take about half an hour. The water should be slightly warm.
- Chestnut bath. To cook, crush the chestnut and boil for 15 minutes. Then pour into a bath and drink it for about 20 minutes.
- Pine Needle Bath. It is necessary to collect some needles from the trees in the forest, boil them for about 20 minutes. Then pour the broth into the bath and drink it for about 25 minutes.
- Chamomile bath. You need to pour boiling water over the chamomile and let the broth stand for half an hour. Then you can filter the drug and take a bath.
- Jerusalem artichoke bath. It is necessary to fill a bucket with a capacity of 10 liters of Jerusalem artichoke stems and leaves, pour boiling water over them, wait 20 minutes. Pour liquid into a bath. The bath procedure lasts 15 minutes.
For the most effective treatment of osteochondrosis of the spine, the duration of treatment should be approximately one week. Baths have a relaxing and calming effect, relieve spasms and relieve pain. This home treatment is not only beneficial but also enjoyable.
How to cure cervical osteochondrosis at home
There are several reasons for the appearance and development of the disease. Among the most common:
- hereditary predisposition;
- postural disorders;
- age;
- past spinal injuries;
- heavy loads, including hard physical work and sports;
- previous infectious diseases;
- wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes or high heels;
- Unhealthy diet, including excessive addiction to junk food.
In addition, excess weight, frequent stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and even severe hypothermia can contribute to the development of osteochondrosis.
The cause of osteochondrosis can be hypothermia, a sharp tilt or turn, intense physical exertion.
Experts are sure that the main cause of osteochondrosis is the wrong distribution of load on the spine. As a result, in the place where there is excessive physical pressure, there is a total or partial change in the cartilage tissue.
- The column is curved.
- The patient slouches when sitting or walking.
- The back muscles are weak.
- A person leads a sedentary lifestyle, moves little.
- There is a severe lack of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in the body.
- Hereditary factors.
- Past infectious diseases.
- Severe nervous tension, depression.
- Hormones are altered.
- Spinal injuries, can occur during a fall, impact.
- The position of the trunk changes frequently and abruptly.
Lifting at right angles to the torso can cause intervertebral disc prolapse. That is why a large load must be taken only squatting, therefore the spine will be protected.
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine includes a wide range of means and methods that are aimed at eliminating pain and combating the inflammatory process in the tissues. One effective method is daily exercise for spinal flexibility. As a general rule, a doctor selects an individual exercise program after diagnosis by MRI or CT scan and evaluation of the stage of the disease. Let's see how osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is treated.
Drug therapy is already prescribed at the first signs of cervical osteochondrosis. If the first pain can be removed with a regular anesthetic pill, then it will no longer help. The medical treatment of cervical osteochondrosis is carried out with new generation chondroprotectors - drugs that stimulate the restoration of cartilage tissue in the spine.
But if you need acute pain relief in cervical osteochondrosis, doctors prescribe a novocaine blockade or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These are ointments, capsules, tablets and injections that rapidly improve the general condition of the patient. But if chondroprotectors do not have contraindications even with prolonged use, NSAIDs have serious ones, so their use should be agreed with the attending physician.
To quickly anesthetize the cervical spine with osteochondrosis, special gels or ointments will help, which begin to act 10 minutes after application. There are several types of them:
- Regenerative, allowing the restoration of damaged cartilage tissue between the vertebrae.
- Anti-inflammatory, based on non-steroidal substances, eliminating pain.
- Analgesics that affect nerve endings, which quickly relieve pain.
- Massage ointments.
Manual therapy
The oldest method, but no less effective than modern methods of treating osteochondrosis, is manual therapy. Specialists have developed many techniques that have a beneficial effect on the vertebrae, tissues and joints in the affected area. Only the chiropractor should be a good specialist in his field, so as not to put the patient in a wheelchair. The main methods of manual therapy for osteochondrosis of the cervical spine are:
- segmental massage that relieves muscle tension;
- manipulations aimed at restoring the working capacity of the joints, accompanied by their crunching;
- mobilization, restoring damaged joints by stretching them.